The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads across the state, particularly those linking educational institutions, to enhance accessibility, ease transportation and improve the socio-economic well-being of residents.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olukayode Akintomide, stated this while receiving members of the Nigeria Student Legislative Council during a courtesy visit to the ministry.
The visit was aimed at drawing the ministry’s attention to the condition of some link roads serving tertiary institutions and their impact on students, staff and other road users.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Council, Ayoola Afeni, highlighted the challenges posed by the poor condition of some of the roads, noting that good road infrastructure was essential to effective academic activities as he appealed to the State government to prioritise the identified roads.
Responding, Akintomide appreciated the students for their constructive engagement, disclosing that the government had already approved several roads across the state for reconstruction, including some of those mentioned by the student representatives.
He emphasised that the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration had constructed, reconstructed and rehabilitated over 1,500 kilometres of roads across Ogun State, including roads serving tertiary institutions and other educational communities.
According to him, the interventions demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving connectivity, facilitating movement and opening up communities across the state.
The Permanent Secretary assured the students that the ministry would continue to monitor approved projects and follow due technical processes towards their implementation.
He, however, urged them to become ambassadors of infrastructure preservation by discouraging indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads and drainage channels, blockage of waterways and other activities capable of damaging public infrastructure.
Earlier, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mrs Oladunni Adetona, welcomed the delegation and said the engagement would strengthen collaboration between the ministry and the student community.
She noted that the ministry was responsible for providing, developing and maintaining road infrastructure across the state, stressing the importance of regular maintenance to ensure the durability and value of government investments.
Ogun Govt reaffirms commitment to rehabilitation, reconstruction of roads